4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP – FARM TOUR & TAILGATE MEETINGS
Modhaicdh Farms – September 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m
Island Holdings – September 9, 2016 at 11:30 a.m
Wallace Family Farms – September 12, 2016 at 11:30 a.m
View full details for these events HERE
Local, Regional, Canadian News
Negotiators working hard in China to resolve canola trade dispute: Freeland
Canada’s international trade minister says government negotiators are in China working hard to resolve a dispute that could affect Canadian canola exports. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Chrystia Freeland said she understands the absolute importance of the two countries’ trade relationship, which includes billions of dollars worth of canola shipments. MORE
Canola farmers concerned as stricter Chinese import regulations set to begin
The head of a national group that represents canola farmers says they’re concerned that China’s plan to impose stricter import regulations on the crop this week will put them at a competitive disadvantage and clog Canada’s grain terminals. China says it will allow canola shipments containing no more than one per cent of waste product starting Thursday, compared with the 2.5 per cent allowance today. The waste, known as dockage, includes parts of the canola plant other than seeds, as well as weeds and other crops. MORE
Feds, Manitoba invest in vegetable research
The Canada and Manitoba governments have invested more than $210,000 in a new vegetable research site near Winkler, focused on improving yields, developing new varieties and creating opportunities for potato, sweet potato and carrot growers. MORE
CAHRC is ready to have the National Occupation Standards validated by the potato community.
Thank you for all of those who helped get the POTATO National Occupational Framework to this stage. Through extensive national consultation, detailed descriptions of what people need to do and know to be successful were defined for key roles in a farm operation:
- entry level farm worker,
- experienced farm worker,
- supervisor,
- manager.
Your help is critical to make ensure that the information is accurate and complete! WHY?
These are tools are being developed for your sector… find out what experts like yourself have identified as best practices and expectations. They serve as a benchmark against which to recruit, select, train and develop employees.
Four surveys have been prepared. You can complete one or more of the surveys – it’s your choice and each survey focuses on 1 of the 4 roles. What is really important is that the person completing the survey has an in-depth understanding of what a person needs to know and do to be successful so we invite you to send the invitation to members of your staff as well.
Entry: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/CAHRC/Potatoes/EntryLevel/
Experienced: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/CAHRC/Potatoes/Experienced/
Supervisor: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/CAHRC/Potatoes/Supervisor/
Manager: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/CAHRC/Potatoes/Manager/
Each survey will walk you through two documents:
- National Occupational Standard: a list of the tasks organized by major task areas – representing what the person needs to do
- Competency Profile: a collection of competencies and related observable behaviours required to successful carry out the identified tasks.
Each survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. It is highly recommended that each survey is completed in one sitting. However, you can complete the survey in more than one sitting provided you are the only person using your computer to complete this survey.
Note: The survey will be available online from August 22 to September 2, 2016.
Livestock
Klassen: Feeder market stable but demand remains soft
Comments from the country this week suggested the market was slightly firmer than week-ago levels. However, market reports stated prices were relatively unchanged and actually softened late in the week. The old saying that even a priest lies about his car’s gas mileage applies to overly optimistic cattlemen trying to bolster market enthusiasm. MORE
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle spiral downward as supply worries persist
Feeder cattle finish lower, lean hogs close mostly weaker MORE
Cattle Outlook: Cattle Prices Lower on Heavy Sales Volume
USDA says there were 469 million pounds of beef in cold storage at the end of July, write Ron Plain and Scott Brown, Ag Economics, MU. MORE
Beef industry challenged to do better
It’s no secret the beef industry is under attack from environmentalists and activists — or that they frequently distort the truth. “They have an agenda that they are trying to gain information to support — they’re looking for things that have gone awry in the industry, and there have been problems,” renowned Alberta cattle researcher Tim McAllister said at the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conference. MORE
Hog Outlook: Canadian Swine Herd Up From Last Year
The Canadian swine herd was up 1.9 per cent at midyear. Compared to July 1, 2015 their breeding herd was up 0.7 per cent and their market hog inventory was up 2.0 per cent, write Ron Plain and Scott Brown, Ag Economics, MU. MORE
Feds change pig traceability rules
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is making minor changes to its enforcement of pig traceability. “New amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations allow persons designated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to issue notices of violation to those who do not comply with mandatory federal pig identification and movement tracking requirements,” the CFIA says on its website. MORE
CME: Rapid Increase in Hog Slaughter Puts Pressure on the Market
At the risk of adding to the confusion and panic that reigns in the current hog market, we have included a bunch of charts to the right that have a lot of colorful lines that run all over the place, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner. MORE
Rabobank: Largest Increase in US Meat Consumption Since ’70s
The US had a momentous year for animal protein in 2015 with the largest increase in US meat consumption since the food scares of the 1970s, according to a new report from Rabobank. MORE
Calgary grows understanding on Stampede’s beef trail
IT’s the conversation starter. A 2×1.2 metre scale model of a Canadian farm that draws in people and more importantly gets them talking about food and agricultural production systems. “It just seems to work,” Andy Cumming, a field services director with the Natural Resources Conservation Board said. MORE
Washington begins killing wolf pack for preying on livestock
Wildlife agents authorized to eradicate a group of 11 wolves for repeated attacks on cattle in Washington state have hunted down and killed six animals from the condemned pack and are searching for the rest, a state game official said on Monday. MORE
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Monday, August 20 HERE
Potatoes
WISCONSIN POTATO CROP TO BE VERY STRONG
All signs are positive for another strong season for the Wisconsin potato industry. Tamas Houlihan, executive director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, said all potato types, including reds, are thriving in Wisconsin fields. MORE
CHEERS TO POTATO COUNTRY
OFVGA’s summer tour was aptly named: Exploring the dirt on potatoes. It almost required boots on the ground in the Alliston and Shelburne, Ontario areas. Much needed rain prior to the August 18 summer tour prevented in-field inspections. However, industry participants enjoyed an in-depth perspective of both fresh table and chipping potatoes grown on 34,800 acres in Ontario. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola starts week softer
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were weaker on Monday, taking some direction from the losses in Chicago Board of Trade soybeans and soyoil. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Monday: Canola futures prices lower, barley unchanged HERE
AM markets: reviving wheat tries to shed ‘Mr Yuk’ sticker HERE
Canada’s wheat harvest will be near record
StatsCan says the Canadian wheat harvest will top 30 million tonnes for only the second time in 25 years. MORE
U.S. grains: Wheat slumps to new 10-year low on ample supplies
Corn to seven-year low on wheat’s fall, big U.S. harvest MORE
Egypt bans ergot in wheat, again
Decision to return to zero tolerance shocks suppliers; ban to be implemented retroactively MORE
Pea growers hit by crop disease and bad weather
Manitoba pea growers are getting a reminder of why they backed away from the crop in the first place. Field peas, once popular in the Red River Valley, declined in the area due to disease brought on by wet weather. However, plantings jumped this year due to attractive prices. MORE
Steady movement of larger Washington apple crop
This year’s Washington apple crop is expected to be larger than last season’s, and movement of available apples has been smooth. Quality and sizing is also looking better this season. MORE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
The Louisiana Floods Have Had a Big Impact on Small Farmers
In the second week of August, a low-pressure system camped out on top of southern Louisiana and dumped up to 31 inches of rain in some areas. Considered the worst natural disaster in the United States since “superstorm” Sandy, this nameless storm took 13 lives, displaced more than 100,000 people, and caused billions of dollars in property damage. It also wiped out the summer harvest on farms across the state, causing untold economic stress to farmers and endangering livestock. MORE
FARMERS’ DEBT-TO-ASSET RATIO IS DECEIVING, ECONOMIST SAYS
USA – As farm incomes have fallen, the financial difficulty hasn’t been confined to just a few commodity groups, rather, almost all segments of agriculture are going through some tough times. This week, we take a look at how those challenges have impacted the financial condition and performance of the farm sector. MORE
Regular Updates
FCC Express – Friday, August 26 HERE
StatsCan – Farm Product Price Index, June 2016 HERE and HERE
StatsCan – Poultry and egg statistics, June 2016 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Monday, August 29 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
2 Day Standard First Aid and CPR Courses
(Membership discounted rate of $70)
September 8th-9th– Stratford September 24th-25th– Stratford
September 27th-28th– Stratford
*First aid and CPR course are also available at your farm for a minimum of 8 participants. Please contact Charlotte at 902-368-7289 for more details.
Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day!!
Saturday, September 10th – 9am-12:30pm at the Kensington Fire Hall
Registration is $5- includes lunch and a t-shirt
The PEI Federation of Agriculture is excited to be hosting its 5th Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Saturday, September 10th at the Kensington Fire Hall! This event is open to youth ages 7-14 who have an interest in agriculture ( no farm background necessary!).
Those pre-registered by September 8th will be entered in a draw to win a bicycle! Contact Charlotte at the PEIFA office 902-368-7289 charlottec@peifa.ca
View the poster HERE
Get the Registration/consent form HERE
4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP – FARM TOUR & TAILGATE MEETINGS
Modhaicdh Farms – September 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m
Island Holdings – September 9, 2016 at 11:30 a.m
Wallace Family Farms – September 12, 2016 at 11:30 a.m
View full details for these events HERE
AAFC Potato Variety Evaluation Field Tour
The 2016 potato variety evaluation field tour will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 1 pm at the Harrington Research Farm located at 1200 Brackley Point Road (7 km north of the Charlottetown Airport). This year new varieties, advanced selections and Accelerated Release (AR) lines from three trials will be on display.
Trial 1: Advanced selections of fresh market and processing lines from AAFC under conventional production.
Trial 2: The Canadian Horticultural Council Research Cluster PEI Potato Variety Trial including new varieties, AR lines, high starch varieties and 6 lines at 75 lbs N/acre.
Trail 3: Advanced selections from AAFC under organic production.
For more information, contact: David Main at david.main@agr.gc.ca or 902-370-1375
Tractor Safety Course
Saturday, September 10th – 8am-4pm – JVI Charlottetown/Reddin Equipment Ltd – Cost: $85
Theory and practical included. Topics include: Occupational Health & Safety, mobile equipment regulations, farm tractors on public roads, tractor stability, instruments and controls, hitching and connecting implements, PTO safety and safe tractor operation.
You must pre-register by contacting Charlotte at 902-368-7289 / charlottec@peifa.ca. Course is limited to 12 participants.
National Organic Week – Sept 17 – 25, 2016
Canada’s National Organic Week is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. MORE
PEI COPC 13th Annual Organic Harvest Meal & Celebration
September 25, 2016 6:00 PM at Confederation Centre of the Arts. MORE
Namaste Lamb Event
September 25 – Featuring Celebrity Chef Vikram Vij
A newly branded signature event this year on the Fall Flavours calendar and it will be held on September 24th at 6:00 pm. The event will be held at Rodd Crowbush Resort. Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased online or by phone at 1-866-960-9912 MORE
World Food Day – October 16 MORE
